MILWAUKEE (SPECTRUM NEWS) - As schools across Wisconsin were back in session, Tuesday, the Milwaukee Public School District is searching for more teachers. Donna Whalen taught in the Milwaukee Public School district for 27 years before retiring. Because of a recent teacher shortage, Whalen has been called out of retirement for the second year in a row to teach Art at Manitoba Elementary School.    

 “Some things come back to you in your mind and your teaching skills right away, and other things it was like oh I forgot little children don’t understand even the language you use,” said Whalen. If people have retired and are considering coming back for even a few days or something to help out at Milwaukee Public schools and actually work with us, we know there’s that learning curve”

Whalen says she was happy to return to the classroom for Manitoba’s first day of school. For now, she’s taken on a part-time art teacher role.  

Whalen isn’t alone. MPS says several retired or former educators have been stepping up to fill in.  

The district says the number of teacher applicants has been increasingly lower over the past few years.

They say a significantly lower number of students pursuing education as a career plays a key factor in the shortage.   

Andy Nelson, Spokesperson for MPS district says subjects like Science, Special Education and Music have been the hardest areas to fill.  

Nelson says the district is working on several ways to motivate and encourage more teachers to become a part of the district.

“Our children in Milwaukee Public schools need the same opportunity as children in other areas of our state and country, our children deserve it,” said Whalen. “We have very talented and wonderful kids and I’d like to see everybody join in and help guide our future.”

Nelson says, the district is even offering ways for aspiring teachers to continue their education, which will, in turn, qualify them to teach. To learn more or to fill out a teacher application, visit, MPSMKE.org. From here, you can also learn more about upcoming job fairs at MPS. district is working on several ways to motivate and encourage more teachers to become a part of the district.

“Our children in Milwaukee Public schools need the same opportunity as children in other areas of our state and country, our children deserve it,” said Whalen.  “We have very talented and wonderful kids and I’d like to see everybody join in and help guide our future.”

Nelson says, the district is even offering ways for aspiring teachers to continue their education, which will in turn qualify them to teach.  To learn more or to fill out a teacher application, visit, MPSMKE.org.  From here, you can also learn more about upcoming job fairs at MPS.